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Illegal migration is a major challenge for many European countries, with thousands of people attempting to enter Europe each year without proper documentation. While many European countries have taken steps to address illegal migration, such as strengthening border controls and increasing cooperation with other countries, the issue remains a significant challenge.

One of the main concerns associated with illegal migration is the social inequalities that many migrants face. These inequalities can be caused by a range of factors, including a lack of access to healthcare, education, and employment. In Western Europe and Scandinavia, the issue of illegal migration has become particularly acute in recent years.

These regions are attractive to migrants due to their high standards of living and strong social welfare systems. However, many of these systems are designed to support citizens and legal residents, and may not be accessible to illegal migrants. One of the key social inequalities faced by illegal migrants in Western Europe and Scandinavia is a lack of access to healthcare. Illegal migrants are not eligible for public healthcare services, meaning that they may be unable to access vital medical care. This can result in serious health problems going untreated, which can in turn have negative impacts on the individual and on society more broadly.

Untreated communicable diseases can spread to the wider population, and mental health issues can result in social and economic problems. In addition they also face significant barriers to accessing education and employment, making it difficult for them to access other services, as housing, and can lead to a cycle of poverty and social exclusion.

The issue of illegal migration and social inequality is complex, and there are no easy solutions. However, there are a number of steps that could be taken to address the issue. One of the most important is to increase support for legal migration, which can help to reduce the number of people attempting to enter Europe illegally. This could include improving the visa application process, providing more information on legal migration options, and increasing the number of resettlement places for refugees.

Written by: Nenad Stekić